MSAF, Fiji Ports and others tried to contain oil spill from MV Southern Phoenix - Bala

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in partnership with the Fiji Ports Corporation and other stakeholders took the responsibility as the first respondents in relation to the sinking of the MV Southern Phoenix to deploy oil spill booms immediately around the ship after the incident happened. 

This was stressed by the Minister for Environment Parveen Bala while responding to a question from the Leader of Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa on plans in place for controlling environmental damage caused by the oil spill from the sinking of the MV Southern Phoenix at the Suva Harbour on May 6th this year.

Bala adds that this was done to ensure that any oil spill was contained within the deployed boom area.

He says that the vessel owner and a team from government have made immediate arrangements for the deployment of diving teams to seal off any opening from the fuel tank.

Bala says the diving teams have been in and around the site on a daily basis to monitor the situation.

Bala has also highlighted that any minor oil spill and debris has been collected within the boom area and removed by the salvage team as this has been confirmed by the Maritime and Safety Authority of Fiji.

The Minister has also confirmed that upon completion of an investigation, he will table a full report in respect to the environmental matters.